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Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 18S2, by 

E. L. RICHARDS & CO., 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



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Inventors' Hand-Book, 

CONTAINING FULL INFORMATION IN REGARD TO 

SECURING AND SELLING PATENTS, 

BOTH FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC, <& Vl«X*— wV*\VV\ 

Together with an abstract of the Patent Laws of every country in the world, thaf issues Patents. '" * ** 




Interior View, Main Office, E. L. Richards & Co., 814 Broadway, New York. 

OFFICES : 
MAIN OFFICE!, 814 BROADWAY, NEW YORK. 

Chicago, III., corner Randolph and Dearborn Streets, - E E. Luce, Manager. 

Washington, D. C, 632 F Street, Gen. Geo. W. Balloch. Manager. 

St. Paul, Minn., 104 East 3d Street, E. S. Norton, 

Montreal, Canada. 215 St. James Street, - - - F. B. Wells, 



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4? 



SECURING PATENTS 



DOBS IT PAY TO SECURE PATENTS? 

We cannot better answer this question than by quoting the following 
article, which appeared in the Scientific American of December 24, 1881 
under the heading of " Patents as Investments :" 

" It has been said that the introduction of useful inventions seems to 
hold by far the most excellent place among human actions. Unfortunately 
this, like many other truths, is not sufficient of itself to incite the inventive 
faculty. In these money-getting times mere sentiment succumbs to pe- 
cuniary gain, and, when the value of an invention is called into question, 
it is not its moral or beneficial effect upon the community that is con- 
sidered, but rather the more practical one of its influence upon the pocket. 
Do patents pay ? is a question often put and frequently answered in the 
negative, but erroneously so. For the amount of money invested, there 
are few properties that have paid more handsomely. Take the leading 
investments of the day ; how many of them are gigantic failures ? Of 
course all patents do not pay, neither do all investments in any description 
of property ; but in these days of wild speculation, railroad bubbles, and 
bank failures, it maybe very opportunely asked whether thirty-five dollars, 
or a little over two dollars a year, paid to the government for a seventeen 
years' exclusive right in and to some useful invention, is not a promising 
investment ? It at least is not a very extravagant one. 

"We all know of patents that have paid their millions, but we do not 
all know of the many thousands upon thousands of patents which have 
realized for their owners amounts varying from five thousand to fifty 
thousand dollars and upward. Contrast these realizations and the paltry 
outlay required with other investments, and where is the property which 
yields as large a return ? That many patents do not pay is not always 
the fault of the invention, but not unfrequently is due to the want of proper 
commercial management, or to the clumsy form in which the invention, 
perhaps a very meritorious one, has been ushered to the public. But even 
these patents ultimately sometimes prove valuable, on account of the prin- 
ciple involved or some one particular construction or combination they 
cover, so that holders of subsequent patents are compelled to pay tribute, 
and it is never safe to consider a patent worthless because it is dormant. 
Its day, after the lapse of years even, may come unexpectedly. 

"Again, inventors frequently are at fault in not following up their inven- 
tions by fortifying the original patent with subsequent ones covering im- 
provements in matters of detail. Nor should repeated failure discourage 
an inventor ; for, if only one patent out of every ten pays, it will many 
times more than compensate for the cost of the ten. Not merely scien- 



4 WHAT MAY BE PATENTED, ETC. 

titic men and mechanics, but men of leisure, will do well, then, to consider 
whether a patent, if only as a speculation, is not a cheap investment, even 
if the weightier consideration of advancing the cause of science or adding, 
to human comfort, by ever so small a step, be altogether discarded." 



WHAT MAY BE PATENTED, 

AND 

WHO MAY OBTAIN PATENTS. 

The United States grants patents on the following classes of inven- 
tions : 

First. — a new combination of mechanical parts or instruments, where- 
by a new machine is produced, though each of the parts be separately old 
and well known. 

Second. — An improvement on any known machine, whereby such 
machine is rendered capable of working more beneficially. 

Third. — The manufacture of a new vendable substance, whether pro- 
duced by a chemical or mechanical process. 

Fourth. — When an old manfacture is improved by some new method 
of working, the means of producing the improvement, whether chemical, 
or mechanical, are patentable. 

Fifth. — The application of a known substance or material to a new 
purpose, and also the application of old machines in manufactures to which 
they have not been before applied, when a beneficial result is obtained, is 
the subject of a patent. 

It will thus be seen that anyone being the original and first inventor or 
discoverer of any new and useful art, machine, manufacture, or compo- 
sition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a 
patent, provided only : — that it has not been known or used by others 
in this country, and not patented or described in any printed publication in 
this or any foreign country before his invention or discovery thereof, and 
not in public use or on sale for more than two years prior to his applica- 
tion for the patent, and unless the same is proved to be abandoned. The 
fact of its being patented first in a foreign country does not debar its being 
patented here. Citizens and foreigners alike can secure patents in this 
country, and on the same terms. Joint inventors are entitled to a joint 
patent : neither one can claim a patent separately ; but the independent in- 
ventors of separate and independent improvements in the same machine 
cannot obtain a joint patent for their separate inventions, nor does the fact 
that one man furnishes the capital and the other makes the invention en- 
title them to make application as joint inventors. In such cases the patent 
should be applied for in the name of the inventor alone, who may, however,, 
assign any part or the whole of his rights during the prosecution of his 
application and before the issue of the patent. * 



RELIABLE ATTORNEYS NECESSARY, ETC. 5 

RELIABLE ATTORNEYS NECESSARY — 
WHO TO EMPLOY. 

THE LARGEST — THE BEST. 

While it is not absolutely necessary to employ an attorney in order to 
apply for and secure a patent, as all persons are allowed to make and 
prosecute their own applications, yet in the majority of cases it is mani- 
festly best to secure such assistance. It requires special knowledge and 
experience to properly draw up the necessary papers, and more especially 
to fully and completely protect the invention in the claims. The drawings, 
as well as the rest of the application, must be prepared in a specified man- 
ner or they will not be accepted at the patent office, and in all these and 
many more particulars the inventor requires the aid of reliable attorneys. 
The Commissioner of Patents has fully explained these points in " The 
Rules of Practice in the United States Patent Office," in 
which he says : — " As the value of patents depends largely upon the care- 
ful preparation of the specification and claims, the assistance of compe- 
tent counsel will, in most cases, be of advantage to the applicant ; but 
the value of their services will be proportionate to their skill and honesty, 
and too much care cannot be exercised in their selection. The office cannot 
assume responsibility for the acts of attorneys, nor can it assist applicants 
in making selections. It will however, be unsafe to trust those who pre- 
tend to the possession of any facilities except capacity and diligence for 
procuring patents in a shorter time or with broader claims than others." 
Too much cannot be said against that class of people styling themselves 
" Patent Solicitors " who allow their fees to be contingent. With them, 
as a matter of course, seeing their pay depends on it, everything gives 
way to the one object of securing a patent, no matter what kind of 
a patent so long as it is a patent; and the patents they procure are almost in- 
variably valueless to the inventor, as he finds his inventions so poorly pro- 
tected that he is either compelled to have the patent reissued at a cost of 
$60, or to lose the fruits of his labor. Another similar class is comprised 
of parties who claim to secure patents for very small fees. Those who 
patronize such people forget that good workmen do not work for small 
wages, and that cheap work is always the dearest in the end. Our fees 
are as low as any other reliable firm, and as low as any firm can give 
good work for, and our facilities equal to any. We (E. L. Richards & 
Co.) have the largest agency for securing and selling patents in the world. 
Besides having permanent branch offices in nearly all the larger cities of 
this country, and agents in smaller towns, we have correspondents in 
nearly every foreign country, and can therefore give all business, whether 
domestic or foreign, the most careful and prompt attention. In Washing- 
ton we have a permanent branch office, within 100 feet of the patent office, 
and both in our home and branch offices we give and accept only the 
very best class of work. We have therefore the largest possible fa- 
cilities for the prompt and thorough transaction of business. 



INVENTORS WITHOUT CAPITAL, ETC. 7 

INVENTORS WITHOUT CAPITAL. 

WE receive a large number of letters every day from inventors who have 
not sufficient money at their disposal that they can employ for the purpose 
of securing a patent. Many of them have inventions that would be very 
valuable if patented and properly handled. Their universal inquiry is — 
"What shall I do?" " Can't you secure a partner for me?" The proper and 
only successful course for such inventors to pursue is to thoroughly canvas 
among their friends and acquaintances for the necessary capital. Don't 
stop trying until you have succeeded in securing it. In most cases the 
party furnishing the money will be amply repaid and satisfied for the 
money advanced, if he receives as payment a County or State right or 
an undivided interest in the invention, say from one eighth to one quarter. 
Or the money may be advanced as a loan to be repaid from the first money 
received from the patent. 

In ninety-nine cases out of a hundred inventors will succeed in raising 
the necessary money in this way, but it must be borne in mind that con- 
stant and persistent efforts must be made. No one can succeed in any 
undertaking without earnest, patient work. Don't give up. You will 
succeed if you keep trying, and if a good patent is finally secured, you will 
be more than repaid for your work and trouble. 

PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION. 

The first thing is to ascertain whether the invention is new. This can 
generally be done by making a preliminary examination, which consists in 
making a search of the records of the Patent Office in the class to which 
the invention belongs. We (E. L. Richards & Co.) having a perma- 
nent branch office in Washington, located directly opposite the Patent 
Office, and having access to the records, can give this examination personal 
and careful attention. It is always advisable to have this examination 
made, and to be sure it is thoroughly done, as if a patent cannot be ob- 
tained by reason of prior inventions, this search may save the inventor the 
cost of making application — $40 — and the time that would necessarily be 
wasted. To make this examination, send us a sketch, photograph or 
model, together with a description of the invention, and our fee of $5.00, 
which includes all expenses and our charges. 

The fee paid for preliminary examination does not in any case apply 
toward paying for the patent. 

In many cases in making the examination we find portions of the inven- 
tion new and portions old. In such a case the inventor is enabled to 
modify or enlarge his claims in accordance with the report. 

Where a preliminary examination is required on more than one inven- 
tion $5.00 for each must be sent, as each requires a separate search. 

CAVEATS. 

The object of a caveat is to protect the inventor while he is testing and 
perfecting his invention or discovery. A caveat should be filed at once as 
soon as the invention or discovery is made, if time is required to perfect it. 
Caveats are filed in the secret archives of the patent office, and no one is 



g APPLYING FOR THE PATENT. 

allowed to examine them except upon the written order of the Caveator. 
No search is made by the patent office as to the patentability of the inven- 
tion claimed in the Caveat. The filing of a Caveat affords immediate and 
sure protection against the issue of a patent for the same invention, without 
the knowledge of the Caveator, during the life of the Caveat, and should 
an application for a patent be made by another party, the Caveator would 
be immediately notified so that he could prove his priority of invention, 
and thus secure the patent for himself. The Caveat itself can be used as 
an evidence of priority. 

To be of any value the Caveat must be most carefully writteti, and such 
work should not be entrusted to irresponsible or inefficient parties. 

To apply for a Caveat all that we need is a sketch, photograph or model 
and a description of the invention. The total expense of filing a Caveat 
through us is usually $25, of which $10 is the government fee, and $15 
our usual charge for preparing the papers, and transacting the business at 
Washington. Where the case is intricate, requiring an unusual amount of 
work, our charges for the extra time and labor are very reasonable. No 
portion of the money paid for a Caveat can be applied on the cost of the 
patent. A Caveat can be renewed from year to year on payment of $13. 
The government fee being $10, and our charges for attending to the pay- 
ment etc. $3. 

A Caveator can manufacture and sell his invention, using the stamp 
" Caveat filed." which often aids in effecting sales, but a patent should be 
applied for within two years of the first public use. A Caveat cannot be 
assigned or sold however, nor does it secure any exclusive right to manu • 
facture and sell. Only a patent can secure that right. 

APPLYING FOR THE PATENT. 

After the invention has been perfected the next step is to apply for 
the patent. 

The entire cost of making the application, where the case is simple, is 
$40 of which $15 is the government fee for filing, and $25 our (E. L. 
Richards & Co.), charges for preparing the necessary papers and pros- 
ecuting the application before the Patent Office. If the patent is not 
granted, the applicant loses this cost of making the application. After 
the patent has been allowed the inventor has six months in which to pay 
the final government fee of $20 before the patent is issued. The above 
charges are all expenses, except when an appeal is required. 

Thus the whole cost of securing a patent through us is usually $60. j n 
case the invention is complicated, requiring much extra work, or several 
sheets of drawings, we are obliged to make an extra charge, which will be 
reasonable in all cases, depending entirely upon the extra time and labor 
involved. 

All that we require to enable us to prepare the papers is a clear sketch 
or model, together with a full and explicit description of the merits and 
workings of the invention. Too much care cannot be exercised in this last 
particular. Explain everything fully. If you do not do this you neglect 
and are likely to damage your own interests. Give your full name includ- 
ing middle name, and remit $15 on account. We will then prepare the 



MODELS, ETC 9 

official drawings and specifications, and send the latter to you for examin- 
ation, giving at the same time full directions about signing and returning 
to us. The next fee, which is usually $25 is then payable. As soon as 
the papers are received from you, we send them to the Patent Office for 
official examination. Address all correspondence plainly, and make all re- 
mittances to the order of E. L. Richards & Co. Always remit by ex- 
press, postal order, draft or registered letter. 

MODELS. 

A working model is always desirable, although it is not absolutely 
necessary except when required by the Patent Office. If we have a model, 
we are able, through our Washington Office, to show and fully explain the 
same to the examiners in charge of the application. Often times this is a 
great benefit and aid in the prosecution of the case. 

Models should be neatly made, of durable material (metal preferred). 
Don't use glue. Models should not be over one foot in length, width or 
height. Paint the model neatly (if made of wood), and have your name 
and address permanently fixed thereon to prevent loss. It is always best 
to have the model made under your personal supervision, as during its 
construction you may perceive points where the invention may be made 
more perfect than was at first contemplated. If you are unable to have 
one made in your locality we (E. L. Richards &: Co.,) can have proper 
models built by experienced and trusty makers, at moderate charges. 
Models may be sent either by mail or express; all large models should be 
sent by express. All charges must be prepaid in full. 

PROSECUTING APPLICATIONS, AND 

APPEALS. 

Upon receipt of the application at the Patent Office, it goes before the 
primary examiners in the class to which it belongs, and is there examined 
as to its novelty and consequent patentability. This examination is very 
thorough, and it frequently happens that the work required to prepare a 
patent case is trivial compared with the work often necessary to prosecute 
applications during the examination at the Patent Office, and to meet and 
overcome all objections, and secure strong equitable claims. When the 
primary examiner finally rejects the application and refuses to allow a pat- 
ent, we promptly report the case to our client, and advise him as to the 
probabilities of securing a reversal of the examiner's decision by making 
an appeal. Three appeals are allowed. 

First Appeal. — From the Primary Examiners to the Examiners-in- 
Chief. 

Second Appeal. — From the Examiners-in-Chief to the Commissioner of 
Patents. 

Third Appeal. — From the Commissioner of Patents to the Supreme 
Court of the District of Columbia. 

To make the first appeal a government fee of $10 must be paid. On 
making the second appeal a government fee of $20 is required. Our 
charges for preparing and conducting these appeals depend upon the 
amount of work involved, but are moderate in every case. 



IO REJECTED CASES, ETC. 

REJECTED CASES. 

Any rejected case can be taken up for prosecution at any time within 
two years from the date of the last official action. We give prompt and 
careful attention to all business of this description. It often occurs that 
the case has been rejected on account of defects in the application. We 
can correct such mistakes and put the case in proper shape. 

RENEWAL OF ALLOWED CASES. 

After a patent has been granted the applicant has six months time in 
which to pay the final government fee of $20. Should this fee not be paid 
within this time the patent can only be secured by making a new applica- 
tion and by paying a new fee of $15. This action can be taken at any 
time within two years from the expiration of the six months above men- 
tioned. 

INTERFERENCE OF PATENTS. 

When two or more cases are found upon examination to claim the 
same invention they are thrown into interference, for the purpose of de- 
termining the question of the priority of invention, and the applicant 
proving his priority will receive the patent. In conducting such cases the 
proceedings and arguments are governed by legal rules. The testimony 
of both inventors and their witnesses are taken, and the case goes before 
the office. There is no appeal from a decision of the Commissioner of 
Patents in interference cases, and great care should be exercised in em- 
ploying only such counsel as can give the matter the most careful atten- 
tion. Having a permanent branch office in Washington, as well as offices 
in nearly all large cities we (E. L. Richards & Co.) have special facilities 
for taking testimony in all parts of the country; and our charges for this 
and for conducting the case before the Patent Office are always moderate. 

RE-ISSUES. 

It often occurs, especially where incompetent attorneys have been em- 
ployed, that after a patent has been issued that errors are found in the 
specification or claims. Perhaps the claims are not broad enough, and 
outside parties have taken advantage of this state of affairs, or the 
patentee has claimed more than he had a right to claim as new, and 
the original patent is held to be invalid. In all such cases a new and cor- 
rected patent may be obtained and the old patent canceled, provided the 
error has arisen from inadvertence, accident, or mistake, and without any 
fraudulent or deceptive intention. In the cases of patents issued and as- 
signed prior to July 8, 1870, the applications for re-issue may be made by 
the assignees ; but in the cases of patents issued or assigned since that 
date the applications must be made and the specifications sworn to by the 
inventors, if they be living. 

Re-issues may be applied for at any time during the life of the original 
patent, and as often as may be deemed necessary. Many of the most 



DESIGN PATENTS, ETC. Ir 

valuable patents have been many times re-issued. The re-issued patent 
continues in force for the balance of the time for which the old patent 
was granted. 

An original patent may be divided up into two or more separate patents 
by re-issue. New improvements cannot, however, be added or inserted. 
They can only be covered by a new application. 

The usual costs of a simple re-issue case are $60, of which $30 is the 
government fee, and $30 our fees for attending to the case. None of the 
money can be returned if the Patent Office rejects the application. 

In order to apply for a re-issue send us (E. L. Richards & Co.) the 
original patent, together with full instructions in regard to the changes you 
wish made. Also remit $30 on account; we will then prepare the case # 
without delay, and send to you for signature. The next fee of $30 is then 
due, and should be sent at the same time with the papers, by Express or 
Registered Letter. 

If the original patent has been lost we will procure a certified copy from 
the Patent Office at reasonable rates. 

DESIGN PATENTS. 

A patent for a design may be granted to any person, whether citizen or 
alien, who, by his own industry, genius, efforts, and expense, has invented 
or produced any new and original design for a manufacture, bust, statue, 
alto-relievo, or bas-relief; any new and original design for the printing of 
woolen, silk, cotton, or other fabrics ; any new and original impression, 
ornament, pattern, print, or picture, to be printed, painted, cast, or other- 
wise placed on or worked into any article of manufacture ; or any ne^w, 
useful, and original shape or configuration of any article of manufacture, 
the same not having been known or used by others before his invention or 
production thereof, or patented or described in any printed publication, 
upon payment of the duty required by law and other due proceedings had, 
the same as in cases of inventions or discoveries. 

Patents for designs are granted for the term of three and one-half years, 
or for the term of seven years, or for the term of fourteen years, as the 
applicant may elect in his application. The patent expires at the end of 
the term for which it is first granted. No extension. 

The cost of design patents are as follows : — Patent for three and a half- 
years $25, of which $10 is the government fee, and $15 our charges for 
preparing the papers and attending to the business ; Patent for seven years 
$30, of which $15 is the government fee, and $15 our charges ; Patent for 
fourteen years $45, of which $30 is the government fee, and $15 ours. 

In order to apply for a design patent, send us (E. L. Richards & Co.) 
your full name and address, together with twelve photographs of the de- 
sign, not mounted. These photographs should not be of a size exceeding 
lYz inches by 1 1. Send also fees in full as above. 

SEARCHES AND ABSTRACTS. 

Having a permanent branch office in Washington, and having access 
to the records, we (E. L. Richards & Co.) have special facilities for mak- 
ing all kinds of searches and abstracts, and of obtaining any and all de- 



I2 INFRINGEMENTS, DISCLAIMERS, ETC. 

sired information in regard to patents and assignments. If you wish to 
know in whose name the title to a patent is officially recorded ; or if you 
wish an abstract of all the recorded deeds of transfer connected with any 
patent, or any other information in this line, send us name of patentee, 
number and date of patent, and a fee of $5, and we will give you such in- 
formation without delay. 

INFRINGEMENTS. 

Infringements occur much less frequently than most people suppose; 
and in general, unless you have special reason to believe that infringe- 
ment exists, the best way is not to give yourself trouble about it until some 
one troubles you. 

The general rule of law is, that the first original patentee is entitled to 
a broad interpretation of his claims. The scope of any patent is therefore 
governed by the inventions of prior date. To determine whether the use 
of a patent is an infringement of another, generally requires a most careful 
examination of all analogous prior patents, and an opinion based upon 
such research requires for its preparation much time and labor. 

The expense of these examinations, with written opinion, varies from 
$25 to $100 or more, according to the labor involved. 

DISCLAIMERS. 

Whenever, through inadvertence, accident, or mistake, and without 
any fraudulent or deceptive intention, a patentee has claimed more than 
that of which he was the original or first inventor or discoverer, his patent 
shall be valid for all that part which is truly and justly his own, provided 
the same is a material or substantial part of the thing patented ; and any 
such patentee, his heirs or assigns, whether of the whole or any sectional 
interest therein, may, on payment of the fee required by law, make dis- 
claimer of such parts of the thing patented as he or they shall not choose to 
claim or to hold by virtue of the patent or assignment, stating therein the 
extent of his interest in such patent. Such disclaimer shall be in writing, 
attested by one or more witnesses, and recorded in the patent office ; and 
it shall thereafter be considered as part of the original specification to the 
extent of the interest possessed by the claimant and by those claiming under 
him after the record thereof. The cost of filing a disclaimer is usually $20, 
of which $10 is the government fee and $10 our charges for preparing the 
papers and attending to the case. 

ASSIGNMENTS. 

Every patent or any interest therein is assignable ; and the patentee or 
his assigns or legal representatives may, in like manner, grant and convey 
an exclusive right under his patent to the whole or any specified part of 
the United States. 

Interests in patents may be vested in assignees, in grantees of exclusive 
sectional rights and mortgagees, and in licensees. 

An assignment, grant, or conveyance will be void as against any subse- 
quent purchaser or mortgagee for a valuable consideration, without notice, 



COPIES OF PATENTS, ETC. 13 

unless recorded in the patent office within three months from the date 
thereof. 

Assignments which are made conditional on the performance of certain 
stipulations, as the payment of money, if recorded in the office, are re- 
garded as absolute assignments, until canceled with the written consent 
of both parties, or by the decree of a competent court. 

Inventions can be assigned at any time, either before or after the patent 
is applied for, or after its issue. In every case where it is desired that the 
patent shall issue to an assignee, the assignment must be recorded in the 
patent office at a date not later than the day on which the final fee is paid. 
Parties wishing to have assignments drawn up in proper form and recorded, 
can send us (E. L. Richards & Co.) full names and residences of all 
parties with all particulars in full, together with a fee of $5, which usually 
includes all expenses. 

COPIES OF PATENTS. 

On receipt of twenty-five cents, we (E. L. Richards & Co.) will furnish 
a full copy of the specification, claims and drawing of any United States 
patent issued since 1867, or a copy of the drawings of any United States 
patent from the earliest date, provided the name of patentee and year 
of patent is furnished us. If we have to search for the information our 
charge for the search is $5. Prior to 1867 the specifications were not 
printed. We can furnish copies in writing, however, at 10 cents per 100 
words. Parties ordering can remit $2 on account, and pay any balance 
when copy is sent. Copies of the claims of any patent from 1828 to 1867 
will be furnished for $1. 

TAXES AND STATE I*AWS CONCERNING 

PATENTS. 

After a United States patent is issued, it is not subject to any tax or 
additional payment of any kind either Governmental, State or local. The 
patent and all its rights are under the owner's control. 

All State laws that interfere in any way with the free sale, use or enjoy- 
ment of patents by the patentee, or his agents or assignees, are null and 
void. No State can require a patentee or his agent to file copies of pat- 
ents, take licenses, procure certificates or comply with forms, and all State 
laws purporting to release the payor of ordinary notes of hand given for 
patents, or which require any special words concerning a patent to be 
written on the face of the note are void and unconstitutional. When the 
patentee has complied with the laws of Congress and secured his patent, 
he has a right to go anywhere in the United States and sell his property. 

TRADE-MARKS. 

The law passed March 3d, 1881, provides that any person, firm or cor- 
poration domiciled in the United States, or located in any foreign country, 
which by treaty, convention or law affords similar privileges to citizens of 
the United States, and who is entitled to the exclusive use of any trade- 



14 



LABELS AND PRINTS. 



mark, and uses the same in commerce with foreign nations, or with Indian 
tribes, may obtain registration at the Patent Office by paying an official 
fee of twenty-five dollars, and complying with such rules and regulations 
as the Commissioner of Patents may prescribe. The following coun- 
tries have treaties with the United States at this time, viz. : Russia, Belgium, 
Switzerland, France, Austria, the German Empire and Great Britain. The 
duration of the registration is thirty years, with a right to renew for thirty 
years more on payment of twenty-five dollars additional. 

Parties who obtained registration under the old law may apply for new 
registration, and in such cases the money formerly paid in will be credited 
on the new application. 

A trade-mark consists of a distinctive or special name or title for an 
article, or a device, design or stamp, or combination thereof, applied to 
merchandise, or the envelopes or packages. But the mere business name 
of a person or firm is not registerable as a trade-mark. 

Words that are merely descriptive of the article cannot be registered 
as trade-marks. 

For example, the words "Blue Writing Paper," cannot be registered. 
But the same words, if accompanied by a device or picture, such as a 
dragon, might be registered. The words "Canned Tomatoes," could 
not be registered as a trade-mark for use upon packages of such goods ; 
but the words " Acme Canned Tomatoes" might be registered. The 
whole cost of registering a trade- mark through us is $40. To apply send 
us name and address in full, and a full description and twelve fac-similes 
of the trade-mark you desire to register; also remit $15 on account. We 
will then prepare papers without delay, and send to you for signature. The 
next fee of $25 is due when you return the papers. 

Searches. — Parties desiring to know whether certain words or devices 
have already been registered, can procure the information without delay 
by addressing us, and enclosing a fee of $5. 

Assignments. — Trade-marks can be assigned in the same manner as 
patents. Our fee for drawing up assignments and registering the same is 
usually $5. 

LABELS AND PRINTS. 

Labels and prints of all kinds, for boxes, bottles, packages, for medi- 
cines, compounds, and all merchandise, can be protected, and the exclusive 
right controlled by copyright registration in the Patent Office. 

The whole cost to secure such registration through us (E. L. Richards 
& Co.) is $15, of which the government fee is $6, and our charges for pre- 
paring and attending to the case $9. 

To make application send us your full name and residence, and six 
copies of the label or print, together with fee in full as above. We will 
then prepare the papers and file them in the Patent Office, and can usually 
forward the official certificate of registration within ten days' time. 

This registration secures the exclusive use of such label or print for 
twenty-eight years, and it may then be renewed for fourteen years more, 
or forty-two years in all. 

The law interprets the word Label to mean a slip or piece of paper, or 
other material, to be attached in any manner to manufactured articles, or 



COPYRIGHTS, ETC. 1 5 

to bottles, boxes, and packages containing them, and bearing an inscrip- 
tion (not a trade-mark), as, for example the name of the manufacturer, 
or the place of manufacture, the quality of goods, directions for use, etc. 

By the word " Print " is meant any device, picture, word or words, 
figure or figures (not a trade-mark), impressed or stamped directly upon 
articles of manufacture, to denote the name of the manufacturer, or place 
of manufacture, style of goods, etc. 

But no such print or label can be registered unless it properly belongs to 
an article of commerce, and be as above defined ; nor can the same be 
registered as such print or label when it amounts in law to a technical 
trade-mark. 

Printers and others, who design or arrange labels, may register the same 
as their own productions, and thus secure the exclusive right to sell and 
print such labels. 

Assignments. — Copyrights for labels and prints may be assigned in 
the same manner as patents, and should be recorded. Our charges for 
preparing and recording assignments are usually $5. 

COPYRIGHTS. 

Any citizen or resident of the United States may obtain a copyright 
who is the author, inventor, designer or proprietor of any book, pamphlet, 
map, chart, dramatic or musical composition, engraving, cut, print, or 
photograph or negative thereof, or of a painting, drawing, chromo, statue, 
statuary, and of models and designs, intended to be perfected as works of 
the fine arts. 

A copyright is not valid unless the title or description is recorded in the 
library of Congress, before the publication of the work. 

Copyrights are granted for twenty-eight years, and may be renewed for 
fourteen years more, if ihe renewal is filed within six months before the 
expiration of the first term. 

The entire cost of securing a copyright through us is $5. To make ap- 
plication send us the title, and your name and address in full. If the 
copyright is desired for a painting, drawing, chromo, statue, statuary, or 
model or design for a work of art, also send us a brief description. Send 
fee in full $5. 

ASSIGNMENTS. — Copyrights may be assigned, and the assignments 
should be recorded. Our charges for preparing and recording assign- 
ments are $5. 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 

We receive by every mail letters from correspondents asking one or all 
of the following questions, the answering of which takes a great deal of our 
time. Before writing to us see if the information you desire is not con- 
tained in this column. By so doing you will often save both yourself and 
us much time and trouble. 

Q. How long does it take to secure a patent ? A. No exact time can be 
given. In some cases a patent will be granted without any delay — perhaps 



HOW WE DO THE BUSINESS. 17 

within two weeks. In other cases much longer time is required. The 
usual time however, is from four to six weeks. 

Q. Can I help my case along by coming to New York or going to 
Washington ? A. You cannot, all business can be satisfactorily trans- 
acted by correspondence. If the case should require your personal 
presence we can send for you. 

Q. I wish to secure a patent, and have no money. Can you secure me 
a partner or capital so that I can proceed at once? A. No. The proper 
course for you to pursue we give at length on page 6. 

Q. Do you give me full information as my case progresses ? A. We 
do. 

Q. Must I have a model made ? A. Not unless you wish to, or the 
Commissioner of Patents requires one, which is very seldom the case. A 
model, however, is generally of great service to us. 

Q. What security have I that you will faithfully guard my interests ? 
A. You have none except our well-known integrity in this respect, and 
the fact that the success of our business is dependent on our honesty. 
We have the largest agency in the world for securing and selling patents. 
Our clients and correspondents are numbered by thousands. They can 
be found in every town and city. Please make inquiry in regard to our 
standing. Such a thing as the betrayal of a client's interests, when com- 
mitted to us ; has never yet occurred, and is not likely to. 

There are still other questions of a special or personal nature such as 
the following : 

" Can a patent be attached and sold for debt?" "Can an owner of a 
part interest in a patent make, sell, and use, and sell rights to others, 
without the consent of the other owners?" " I own the State right of a 
patent; can the patentee manufacture in another State and sell the goods 
to be used in the State I have purchased?" "I send you an assignment. 
Is it correctly drawn?" 

To questions like the above, or those of a kindred nature, we are always 
ready and willing to send brief written replies, provided correspondents 
are thoughtful enough to enclose a small fee in recognition of the service. 
This should not be less than from one to five dollars. If we find that we 
are unable to give the information requested we return the money. 



HOW WE DO TUB BUSINESS. 

In the transaction of our extensive patent business our aim is to be 
systematic, thorough and expeditious. We do not claim to have any ad- 
vantage over other agents, at the Patent Office, except so far that we have 
a permanent branch office in Washington, directly opposite the United 
States Patent Office, and that thus we can personally watch over and assist 
the progress of our cases, give explanations, and see that the best claims are 
allowed. 

Everybody knows that the best service and the most reasonable rates 
are generally furnished by large, well-conducted establishments, and this 
business is no exception to the general rule. 



i8 



SECRET MODEL ROOM. 



In preparing our cases we are assisted by the most experienced and able 
specification writers. The finest mechanical draughtsmen in the country 
prepare our drawings. And in addition to this we personally supervise all 
work, securing accuracy and thoroughness in every detail. 




SECRET MODEL ROOM. 



All communications to us concerning the securing of patents, caveats 
etc., are strictly private and confidential. Adjoining our main office and 
our exhibition hall, we have a secret model room in which are kept all 
models, properly labeled to prevent loss, as well as all correspondence 
relating to pending cases. No one is allowed to enter this room except 
members of the firm or confidential clerks, so that absolute and inviolable 
secrecy is attained. 

Business is received at all our offices (for location see last page of cover,) 
and upon receipt at any of our branches, is promptly transmitted to us. 
Parties at a distance will find it convenient to do all their corresponding 
with the office nearest to them, and much time may be saved by taking 
this action. 



FOREIGN PATENTS. 



American inventors having valuable inventions, who do not secure 
such foreign patents as would seem to be of value, simply throw away 
their chances of realizing large profits, and in many cases large fortunes. 
Ordinarily it may be said that when an invention is valuable in this country 
that it is equally so in foreign countries. Indeed, American ingenuity is 
now so well known and appreciated that the foreign patents can frequently 
be sold to better advantage and in shorter time than the United States 
patent. The cost of foreign patents, although in most cases above that 
of the American, have, during the past few years, been greatly reduced, 
and are now within the reach of all. 

To ensure the validity of a foreign patent it should be applied for before 
the American patent is actually issued, as some of the foreign patents will 
be held invalid if the American patent specifications and drawings have 
been made public before the application for such foreign patent. In practice 
we arrange to have them all date simultaneously. (We give the law in 
each case in the abstract of the laws of foreign countries.) The United 
States law contains a special provision for the protection of American 
inventors in this respect so that applications can be made for foreign 
patents after the United States patent is granted, but before it is 
issued, viz: — After the home patent is allowed it may remain in the secret 
archives of the Patent Office for six months, thus enabling the inventor to 
arrange for his foreign patents in advance of all other persons. 

We (E. L. Richards & Co.) have agents in all the principal foreign 
countries, and have every facility forgiving thorough work and securing the 
patents in the shortest possible time. 

The most desirable foreign patents for American inventors to secure are 
those of Canada, England, France, Germany, Spain and Belgium. These 
six patents secure the exclusive monopoly among about One Hundred and 
Fifty Millions of the most intelligent people in the world. 

No models are required in foreign countries, except Canada, but the 
greatest care and experience are necessary in the proper preparation of the 
specifications and drawings, and only the best and most experienced agents 
should be employed. 

In order to apply for a foreign patent, send us a model (if you have one) 
or a drawing, and full explanations of the invention. Be sure and give your 
name (including middle name) in full, as well as your residence and occu- 
pation. If a patent application has been filed in this country all we need 
is a copy of the American specification and drawing. On receipt of the 
above with the proper fee, we will proceed with the business without delay. 
(The full cost of the patent should be remitted unless otherwise specified 
in the following synopsis of the Patent Laws ol the different foreign 
countries). 



i 



20 SECURING FOREIGN PATENTS, ETC. 

SECURING FOREIGN PATENTS IN 
INVENTOR'S NAME. 

We are the only firm in this country that makes a specialty of securing 
foreign patents in the name of the inventor. Nearly all other solicitors, 
(even of the highest standing,) to save a little extra work take all foreign 
patents out as communications from abroad : — That is, in the name of a 
third party, who is, in the majority of cases, the foreign correspondent of 
the solicitor here. 

This practice cannot be too severely denounced, as it places the inven- 
tor in the power of the foreign agent taking out the patent. According to the 
old practice of taking out the patent as a communication from abroad r 
all right, title and interest is vested at law in the person in whose name the 
application is made, and the inventor has no right and no remedy except 
by proceedings through a court of equity, in event of a quarrel or dispute 
between the parties. Again, in case of the death of the party in whose 
name the patent is applied for, tedious and expensive proceedings in a court 
of probate must be had to recover the patent. As an illustration of this 
a short time ago on the death of a prominent foreign agent over 1400 
claims had to be thus proven, at great expense to each inventor. 

By securing the patent in the name of the inventor, which practice we, 
(E. L. Richards & Co.,) are the first to introduce and make a specialty of r 
the patent of invention is immediately and absolutely the property of the 
inventor, and no one can sell, dispose of, license or otherwise treat for his 
interest in the patent except the inventor himself or his duly appointed 
agent. 

This point, on which so much may depend, ought certainly to receive the 
careful consideration of all patentees. 

ANNUITIES AND TAXES. 

Nearly all foreign countries are paid for the patent by small annuities 
or taxes. We attend to the payment of these taxes for inventors, charging 
a small fee for our services and to provide for expenses of transportation, 
exchange of money and agency charges in such foreign countries. Full 
information in regard to such taxes will be furnished by us at any time 
without charge. 

FOREIGN TRADE-MARKS. 

Trade-marks can be secured by citizens of the United States in the fol- 
lowing countries, at the prices annexed. Austria $75 ; Belgium $75 ; 
Canada $50 ; France $75 ; Germany $75 ; Great Britain $50 ; Switzerland 
$75. These prices include all government fees and our charges for pre- 
paring the papers and attending to the business. 

ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. 

Patents are granted for five, ten or fifteen years, and must be worked 
within two years. Application must be made before any publication is 
given. 



AUSTRIA, BELGIUM, ETC. 2\ 

The cost of the patent is from $300 to $500, according to the number of 
years it is issued for. 

Certificates of addition or improvement are also granted at a cost of from 
.$150 to $300. 

Provisional patents are also granted for one year at a cost of $200. 
These patents are renewable at the end of each year. 



AUSTRIA. 

The patent covers all the possessions of the Empire, (including Hungary), 
which have a population of about 45,000,000. Its maximum duration is 
15 years, but may be extended by special grant of the Emperor. Where 
patents have been obtained elsewhere the Austrian patent expires at the 
same time as the first and original patent. The patent must be worked in 
Austrian territory within one year, the working not to be interrupted for 
two years. The applicant may, if he sees tit, have his specification and 
drawings filed in the secret archives for any desired time ; but, in so doing, 
he is debarred from action against infringers for a first infraction of his 
patent rights. 

The cost of applying for an Austrian patent is $100, which includes 
agency fees, Government taxes, and all costs for the first year. The pat- 
ent is then subject to small yearly taxes. Inventions that have already 
been patented in the United States may, if they have not been introduced 
in Austria, be patented there. 

Assignments may usually be registered at a cost of $20 



BELGIUM. 

THOUGH territorially small, this kingdom the most densely populated 
European country, having about 5,000,000 inhabitants, is one of the most 
active and progressive nations in Europe, and its patents are among the 
most valuable to American inventors. 

The duration of the patent is twenty years. When patents have been 
obtained in other countries the Belgian patent expires with the first patent. 
The invention must be worked within one year from the date of the first 
working of the invention abroad. The government taxes are very reason- 
able. 

The cost of securing a Belgian patent is $80, which includes all fees, 
whether governmental or agency, and the government tax for the first 
year. 

Supplementary patents or certificates of addition can be filed at any 
time, and are not subject to extra taxation. Sttpplementary patents can 
be obtained through our agency at a cost of $60. 

Inventions that have already been patented in the United States may be 
patented in Belgium. 

ASSIGNMENTS may usually be registered at a cost of $15. 



MONTREAL OFFICE 



OF 



E. I_j. RICHARDS db OO 




215 St, James Street, 



MONTREAL, CANADA, 



FREDERICK B. WELLS, 



Manager. 



BRAZIL, CANADA, CHILI, ETC. 23 

BRAZIL. 

Imperial diplomas, possessing the legal force of patents, are granted ior 
terms varying from five to twenty years, to the authors or importers of 
useful inventions, even of those already worked in other countries. No 
tax is claimed by government ; but the granting of a patent or privilege 
necessitates the payment of certain stamp duties and official expenses. 

Cost of patent .$200 to $500. Patents must be worked within two years. 

CANADA. 

The Canadian patents are almost as valuable as the United States pat- 
ents. Our neighbors across the border are thrifty, intelligent people, and 
good inventions are always appreciated by them, and are in demand. The 
Canadian patent extends over the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Nova 
Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward's Island, Manitoba, and British 
Columbia. Where inventions have not been patented, or in general use in 
the United States or other countries for more than one year, they may be 
patented in Canada. Inventions must be worked within two years of the 
granting of the patent. Patents are granted for five, ten and fifteen years. 

Patents granted for a less term than fifteen years may be extended to the 
full limit by application and payment of fees. A model not over eighteen 
inches in length, width or height is required. 

The usual expense to apply for a Canadian patent through us (E. L. RICH- 
ARDS & Co.) is $50, which includes government tax, agency fees and all 
charges for five years, after which two additional terms of five years each 
may be obtained on payment of $30 each. If a United States patent has 
been granted a copy should be supplied to us. Upon receipt we will 
immediately prepare the necessary papers and forward them to the ap- 
plicant for his signature. The time required to secure the patent is from 
four to six weeks. 

Caveats may be filed in Canada at a cost of $25, which includes all 
expense. 

Disclaimers and Reissues. — The fees vary, but the charges are in 
all cases very reasonable. 

ASSIGNMENTS can be registered at a cost of $5. 

CHILI. 

PATENTS of invention are granted for ten years. Patents of importation, 
for eight years. These terms may be extended when the importance of 
the invention justifies it. The specification is kept secret for the full term. 
Patents must be worked, and a period exclusive of the term of patent is 
allowed for the erection of machinery, &c. Cost of patent in full, $250. 

Assignments cost from $25 to $50. 

COLUMBIA. 

The duration of a patent cannot exceed twenty nor be less than five 
years. Must be worked within one year. A fee of from $5 to $10 for 
every year of the duration of the patent has to be paid in full at the 
time of the grant. Our fees for securing the patent, exclusive of the 
government demands, are usually $100. 



24 DENMARK, FRANCE AND FINLAND. 

DENMARK. 

The term of patents is fixed by the government, and cannot exceed 
fifteen years; that of patents of foreigners, five years. Prolongations are 
not usually granted. The patent is signed by the king. Must be worked 
within one year. Cost in full, $100. 

ASSIGNMENTS. — Letters patent cannot be transferred by direct assign- 
ment ; but the grantee and purchaser may claim a new patent in the name 
of the latter. Costs, $50. 

FRANCE. 

The French patent covers all the colonies, and is granted for fifteen 
years. Inventions already patented in other countries may be patented in 
France, but the application should be made before the specification 
becomes public. In such a case the French patent will expire when the 
foreign patent expires. At the expiration of original grant, prolongations 
may, in very exceptional cases, be obtained. The patent must be worked 
within two years. 

The total cost of securing a French patent through us (E. L. Richards 
& Co.) is $ioo, which includes government taxes for the first year. The 
patent is then subject to a yearly tax of about $20. The patentee cannot 
import the patented article from abroad. He may, however, import one 
model or sample after having first obtained the necessary permit. 

Certificates of Addition in the same form, having the same force 
as the original patent, are granted to the patentee during the first year, 
and thereafter at any time during the continuance of the privilege, for 
improvements connected with the protected invention. Any person can, 
however, file applications for patents of improvement on a protected in- 
vention. When they are filed within the first year, they are kept under 
seal until this term has expired, and the privilege is then only accorded in 
the event of the original patentee failing to claim the same improvements 
by application. The application of the patentee takes precedent over all 
others. The cost of securing is usually $75. 

Assignments, to be valid, should be executed before a notary public, 
and verified by the French consul or minister, and afterwards registered 
at the prefecture of the department. Before the registration can be 
effected, the government tax for the remainder of years that the patent has 
to run must be paid, but no tax is claimed by the government for the 
transfer. Agency fees from $25 to $50. 

FINLAND. 

Russian patents do not cover the Grand Duchy of Finland. Patents 
are granted only to the true inventor, and the duration is fixed by the 
Governor at from three to twelve years. Inventions already patented in 
other countries may be patented in Finland. Patents must be worked 
within a specified time, generally two years. The specification must be 
published in two Finnish newspapers, in the Swedish and Finnish lan- 
guages. The cost of patent, including publication of specification, is 
from $200 to $500. 



GERMAN EMPIRE, GREAT BRITAIN, ETC 25 

GERMAN EMPIRE. 

BEFORE the passage of the new law (July I, 1877) some twenty-one 
separate patents were necesssary to cover the German States. The 
new law covers Prussia and all the States. Patents cannot be obtained in 
Germany for inventions that have been patented in any other country, 
consequently the application for the German patent should be made before 
the United States patent is actually'issued. A patent maybe taken for one 
year or any other number of years up to fifteen, by the payment of annual 
taxes, which are progressive in amount. 

The cost of a German patent through us (E. L. Richards & Co.) is 
usually $80. In complicated cases a moderate charge is made for the 
additional labor involved. The practice in the German office is similar to 
that in the United States Patent Office. Patents for additions or improve- 
ments on inventions already patented may be had. Patents must be worked 
within three years. 

Assignments can usually be recorded for $25. 

GREAT BRITAIN. 

THE British patent is granted for fourteen years ; and covers England, 
Scotland, Ireland, Wales, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man, but 
not the colonies ; the latter make their own patent laws. A patent obtained 
in Great Britain will be held invalid if the invention has been previously 
known or published in England. Hence the English patent must be ap- 
plied for before the issue of the American patent. The importance of 
securing English patents cannot be over-estimated. England is now the 
financial, commercial and manufacturing centre of the world, and English 
goods are sold all over the globe. 

The whole cost of securing an English patent through us (E. L. Rich- 
ards & Co.) is $250. To apply, send a full description of the invention, 
with a drawing or photograph, and remit $75 on account. This secures 
a provisional protection for six months. We can usually deliver the 
official certificate in from thirty to forty days after the business is placed 
in our hands. 

A second payment of $175 is payable in New York three months from 
the date of the provisional protection. When desired, both fees ($250) 
can be paid at once. If competition for the patent is expected, this 
should be done in all cases. This second payment completes the patent, 
and the great seal is then attached. A third tax of £50 is due three 
years from date of patent certificate, and a fourth tax of £100 at the close 
of me seventh year. No working necessary. 

Disclaimers can usually be filed at a cost of $75. 

Assignments can usually be recorded at a cost of $30. They are 
taxed by the government according to the price, which cannot be esti- 
mated in advance, and is an extra expense. 

BRITISH COLONIES. 

The English Colonies all make their own patent laws. For convenience 
in reference, we have included all under one heading. 



26 BRITISH COLONIES, ETC. 

AUSTRALIA.— Five patents are required to cover Australia: New 
South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia and Victoria. The 
cost of patents in the two first colonies is $250; in each of the others, 
$200. Western Australia also grants patents, but they are seldom taken 
out except by residents. The cost is $300. 

BRITISH GUIANA. — Duration of patent, fourteen years ; but may be 
prolonged to twenty-one. Cost, $400. 

BRITISH HONDURAS.— (Same duration and cost as British Guiana.) 

CANADA. — (See article on Canada.) 

CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.— Duration of patent, fourteen years. Cost, 
$200. 

CEYLON. — Duration of patent, fourteen years ; may be extended for 
fourteen years more. Cost of patent, $250. 

INDIA. — The patent covers Bengal, Fort St. George, Bombay and the 
north-west provinces. Duration, fourteen years ; may be prolonged for 
fourteen years more. Must be applied for within one year of the date of 
prior foreign patent. Cost, $200. 

JAMAICA. — Patents are granted for fourteen years. In special cases 
a clause is inserted by which a further period of seven years is added. 
Cost, $250. 

LEEWARD ISLANDS.— Duration, fourteen years. Cost, {$250. 

MAURITIUS. — Patents granted for fourteen years. Patentee pays a 
duty to be fixed by Governor, not exceeding £100. Cost, outside of 
government duty, $150. 

NATAL. — Patents granted for fourteen years. Cost, $200. 

NEW ZEALAND. — Duration of patent, fourteen years. Cannot be 
prolonged. Costs, $200. 

NEWFOUNDLAND. — The patent is granted for fourteen years ; but 
may be extended for a further term of seven years. Cost, $100. 

STRAITS SETTLEMENTS.— Granted for fourteen years; may be 
prolonged for an additional term of fourteen years. Cost $250. 

TRINIDAD. — Patents granted for fourteen years. Cost. $200. 
The laws of the English colonies closely resemble those of Great 
Britain. 

Assignments can be usually made at a cost of from $30 to $40. 

GREECE. 

No special legislation exists in this country, but the government is 
authorized by the decree of 1 843 to grant industrial monopolies, subordi- 
nate to the approbation of the senate. The government dues are fixed 



GUATEMALA, HAWAII, ITALY, ETC. 27 

when the title is issued. The cost, exclusive and independent of govern 
ment dues, is $150. 

GUATEMALA. 

Patents are issued for a term not exceeding ten years, and must be 
worked within a given time, which cannot exceed two years, but is added 
to the grant. The specifications and drawings are kept secret during the 
existence of the patent. Cost, $250. 

HAWAII. 

(SANDWICH ISLANDS.) 

Patents are granted for any term of years not exceeding ten. No 
annual taxes. Cost in full, $250. 

Caveats can be filed for one year on payment of $100. 
Assignments cost $50. 

ITALY. 

Applications may be made for any number of years between one and 
fifteen, and the patent obtained may be prolonged from year to year 
until the maximum is reached. This system involves a payment of a tax 
for each demand of prolongation, and should therefore be avoided in 
most cases. Patents for less than six years should be worked within the 
first twelve months of the grant. Those of longer duration before the 
expiration of the second year. The inventor only can obtain a patent. 
The patent is subject to annual taxes, which are progressive in amount. 
The whole cost of making application through us (E. L. RICHARDS & Co.) 
is $100, which includes all fees for the first year, or $150 for a six years' 
patent, which includes all taxes and the first year's annuity. 

Certificates of Addition are granted at any time at a cost of $75, 
which includes all fees. 

Each Demand of Prolongation costs through us $75. 

Disclaimers usually cost $75. 

Assignments to be valid should be registered at the Secretariat of 
Patents, at Rome. In cases of total or partial cession to more than one 
person, the registration can only be effected by paying all taxes due on 
the patent up to the moment of expiration. Agency fees. $35. 

LIBERIA. 

Patents are granted in Liberia to natives and foreigners alike. 
Duration fixed by government. Must be worked within two years. 
Cost, $200. 

LUXEMBOURG. 

The Patents are delivered for five, ten or fifteen years. When the 
government does not, for special reasons, fix arbitrarily a term lower than 
fifteen years, the patent originally demanded for five or ten years maybe 
prolonged to the maximum. The invention must be worked within two 
years from the grant. Patents of improvement may be obtained in the 
same form as the original. The taxes on both originals and patents of im- 
provement are fixed by the government, varying according to the impor- 
tance of the invention. The patent titles are signed by the king. The 



CHICAGO OFFICE 



OF 



E. Xj. m O H .A. FL TD S efc O O. 




McCormick Block, Cor. Randolph & Dearborn Sts., 



CHICAGO, ILL. 



EUGENE E. LUCE, Manager. 



MEXICO, NICARAGUA, ETC. 29 

patents are forfeited if subsequent patents are procured for the same in- 
vention in the name of the grantee. Cost, $50. This does not include 
government tax. 

ASSIGNMENTS can only be legally made on a previously obtained royal 
warrant, and should be inscribed in the first instance on the patent regis- 
ter. Cost, $30 to $50. 

MEXICO. 

Patents for invention are granted for ten years, for improvements for 
six years ; but a prolongation may be obtained before the end of that 
term. 

Half the number of men, at least, employed by the patentee in 
mechanical works must be subjects of Mexico, if such may be had. The 
government fees vary from $10 to $300 ; agency fees, $200 to $300, accord- 
ing to the case. 

NICARAGUA. 

Patents granted to inventors ten years, to an improver seven years, 
and to an introducer five years. These terms may be extended by the 
sovereign power. The invention must be worked within two years. 
Costs from $250 to $500. 

NEW GRANADA. 

The formalities and expenses are the same as in Chili and Peru. 

NORWAY. 

The duration of the patent and time for working is fixed by the govern- 
ment. The duration varies from five to ten years, and generally must be 
worked within two years. No taxes exist but the expenses of publication, 
stamp, &c, has to be defrayed, as in Sweden, by the patentee. The appli- 
cation should always be presented in the name of one person if possible. 
Cost of patent, including all expenses and fees, .$100. 

Assignments. — The same expenses and formalities as in Sweden. 

PARAGUAY. 

The duration of the patent of invention varies from five to ten years ; 
that of importation is limited by the prior foreign patent. Must be 
worked within two years. No government taxes. A patent for the same 
invention cannot be secured in any other foreign country after issue of 
Paraguayan patent without special permission. Cost, in full, $300. 

PERU. 

The privileges granted for inventions of general utility are similar in all 
respects to those of Chili, and the expenses are the same. 

PORTUGAL. 

Any invention, though in use in foreign countries is, if new, patentable 
in Portugal, for from one to fifteen years, ^he maximum duration is 
fifteen years. It cannot be prolonged. The annual taxes are very small. 



30 RIO DE LA PLATA, ETC. 

The patent must be worked within the first half of the term for which 
the patent is granted. The total expense for a five-years' patent is $175 ; 
for ten years, $225 ; for fifteen years, $275. 

Assignments. — Should be notified to the minister of the interior. 
Cost and expenses of legalization, $75. 

RIO D£ LA PLATA, 

Duration of patent of invention is ten years. Patent of importation, 
five years. The invention must be worked within the first year of the 
grant. Cost of patent of invention, $850; of importation, $1,400. 

RUSSIA. 

Russian patents cover Poland also. No patents are granted for muni- 
tions of war, unless they are adapted to other purposes (such, for example, 
as hand fire-arms, &c.) Patents are granted for three, five or ten years. 
The invention must be worked within the first quarter of the term for 
which they were granted. No restriction is placed upon importation by 
the inventor. No prolongations. 

The whole cost of a Russian patent for three years is $250 ; for five 
years, $350; for ten years, $550. 

Inventions already patented maybe patented in Russia when no detailed 
description has been published there, and the invention has not been intro- 
duced. 

Assignments. — Usually cost from $80 to $125. 

SAN SALVADOR. 

No special law exists, but the constitution gives power to the executive 
to grant privileges to the authors of useful inventions. It is customary for 
the executive to follow the custom of civilized governments. Cost, $300. 

SPAIN AND CUBA. 

The new Spanish law covers Spain, Cuba, Porto Rico and the Phillipine 
Islands. The maximum duration of the patent of invention is twenty 
years (where patents have been granted in other countries the duration is 
limited to ten years) ; of importation, five years. Must be worked within 
two years. Patents should be applied for before being published. A 
small annual tax is charged, which is progressive in amount. The whole 
cost of securing the patent is $100, which includes first annuity. A great 
industrial revival has recently taken place in Spain, and we advise inven- 
tors to secure their inventions in this country. 

Certificates of Addition can be obtained at any time during the 
life of the patent. 

Assignments must be legalized before a Spanish consul, or minister, 
and recorded at Madrid. Agency fees, $50. 



SURINAM, SWEDEN, ETC. 3 1 

SURINAM. 

(DUTCH WEST INDIES.) 

Duration of patent is five, ten or fifteen years. Must be worked within 
the first year. Cost of five-year patent, $275 ; of ten years, $400 ; of fifteen 
years, $550. 

Assignments can only be made by consent of the Governor-general. 
Cost, $75. 

SWEDEN. 

Only inventors or their legal representatives can obtain patents. The 
duration (from 3 to 1 5 years) and the time in which the patent must be 
worked are fixed by the government, according to the value and import- 
ance of the invention. A patent may be obtained in Sweden if patented 
in other countries. The total cost of securing a Swedish patent is $125. 
No tax. 

Assignments cannot be legally made without previous permission 
from the College of Commerce. The assignee non-resident is obliged to 
have a native representative. Agency fees, $50. 

SWITZERLAND. 

Patents are not procurable except in the Canton of Tessin, where the 
local government has power to grant, on payment of a sum varying from 
$10 to $100, an exclusive privilege within its territory. Agency fees, $100. 

TURKEY. 

By a law passed March 2, 1880, patents can be secured in Turkey for 
5, 10, or 15 years. Inventions already patented can be patented there. 
The patents are subject to a small yearly tax. Must be worked within 
two years. Models and samples cannot be introduced without permission. 
The cost of a patent is $200, which includes the payment of the first year's 
tax. 

Certificates of Addition can be secured at any time. The law in 
this respect is similar in all respects to the French. Cost, $100. 

Assignments can be registered. Cost, $50. 

VENEZUELA. 

Duration of patents not less than 6 nor more than 15 years. Must 
be worked within two years. Imported patents within one. The factory, 
plant, etc., are subject to a tax not exceeding one per cent. Cost, $300. 

DISCOUNTS. 

Where a large number of foreign patents are ordered through us at 
one time, we will make a fair and reasonable discount from the prices 
herein set forth. Ordinarily, however, the prices here stated are the lowest 
that can be given, and the best quality of work guaranteed. 



!P A RT II 



How to Sell Patents. 



♦-♦►• 



RELIABLE BROKERS A NECESSITY. 

A RESPONSIBLE broker is a necessity to both capitalists and inventors. 
To capitalists, from the fact that men of money cannot and will not 
spend the time to go into the merits of an invention themselves. There 
is so much preliminary work to be done in order to determine the real 
value of a patent, that the services of skilled experts become indispen- 
sable. Neither have capitalists the time or inclination to attend to drawing 
up the necessary papers, and for all this and many other like services he 
demands a broker. 

The broker is a necessity to the inventor for even more reasons. 

Inventors are proverbially poor salesmen, their inventions may be of the 
highest order, but there is not one inventor in a thousand that can sell his 
patents to good advantage. His abilities lie in an entirely different 
direction. There is no other business in the world that requires as great 
care and intelligent work as the selling of patents. A poor broker is much 
worse than none at all, as he injures the case by his improper handling of 
it and his want of judgment. 

The broker, to be of any decided benefit to his customer, must of neces- 
sity have shrewdness and business ability. Having to deal exclusively 
with men of pronounced abilities and business experience, he must be 
able at once to command their attention and respect. And in knowing 
just what is needed, and when and where it is to be done, lies the secret 
of his success. 

Every one knows the long and weary years of privation and struggling 
that have been the portion of inventors whose names are now famous, be- 
fore wealth and honor came to them in prodigal measure ; Fulton, Morse, 
Bell, Edison, Ericson and many more, all shared the common fate. Why 
was this? Simply because they themselves were unable to command the 
attention of moneyed and enterprising men, and neglected to secure the 
services of competent brokers to further their plans. For want of this 
very thing inventions that have revolutionized the world have lain dor- 
mant for many years. 

The inventor who lives in a remote section labors under special dis- 
advantages. His patents may cover most important improvements. 
There is not one chance in a thousand that alone and unaided he will 
ever realize even the Patent Office fees, and the probability is that his 



LEGITIMATE AGENCIES, ETC. 33 

neighbors and friends have not the money to buy an interest therein for 
the purpose of developing it, even if they wished to. Or his invention 
may have no value in his immediate neighborhood, but be of the utmost 
importance elsewhere. If the inventor goes to New York or any other 
city, at great loss of time and money to himself, he finds himself at sea. 
He can neither discover the means of reaching the proper men, nor if by 
sheer chance he does find them, can he secure their attention ; and finally 
the disgusted person departs to his home, a thoroughly disheartened 
man. Only by placing his business in the hands of thoroughly reliable and 
able brokers can the inventor secure success. The broker too, having 
long experience and the most extended acquaintance among moneyed 
men, can always do the inventor the justice financially that can be secured 
in no other way. 

In many cases where only a few hundred dollars have been realized by 
a sale, the same would, if handled rightly, have netted the patentee as 
many thousands. 

LEGITIMATE AGENCIES.-WHO NOT 
TO EMPLOY. 

The first question that naturally arises in the mind of the inventor on 
securing his patent is, "Who shall I entrust with the sale of my patent?" 
or " Where can I place my business so I will be sure of honest treatment, 
good work, and be certain to secure the best possible results?" That this 
question should arise is no wonder seeing that as soon as a patent is is- 
sued the inventor is flooded with communications from all parts of the 
country, and as they all seem promising, the inventor is naturally at a loss 
to decide who it will be best for him to employ. 

Just here a word of caution is needed. There is in this, as in all other 
lines of business, a class of men that should be carefully avoided, as in- 
stead of aiding the inventor in selling, their object is to swindle the pat- 
entee out. of all that they can. The number of responsible houses en- 
gaged in this line of business is limited. The rest only imitate and copy 
the circulars of reputable houses in order to mislead the public and 
profit by the credulity, and sometimes avarice, of the inexperienced. Some 
of these parties have not even an office to transact business in. 

These concerns find ready victims by offering to do a great deal of 
work for a very little money. There always was and always will be a 
great many people who want and who expect to get something for noth- 
ing, and this is the class that fall an easy prey to such sharpers. These 
firms usually charge an advance fee of from $5 to $25, never more, as 
they reason that if they charged more, people would investigate their 
standing before giving them business, and investigation is just what they 
dread and are afraid of. Their commissions on sales are generally very 
low too, they can well afford to set them at a very low figure as making 
sales does not enter into their calculations. 

Such concerns can easily be avoided if proper attention is given to the 
most ordinary and simple business rules : First, never give business to a 
man who promises to give you $100 worth of work for $10. He cannot or 
will not do it. Second, never under any circumstances, give your business 
to any person or firm, without first fully investigating their standing and 



ST. PAUL OFFICE OF E. L. RICHARDS & CO. 




104 East Tliird Street, 

ST. PAUL, MINN. 



EDWARD S. NORTON, Manager. 



HOW TO SELL OR SECURE CAPITAL. 35 

responsibility, and demanding and securing satisfactory references from 
them. 

An honest and reliable agency will not avoid but will court such an in- 
vestigation, since it must necessarily be greatly to its future benefit, by es- 
tablishing its character, and preventing dishonest firms from gaining a 
foothold. Such investigation means security to inventors, and justice to 
reliable agencies. 

HOW TO SEEE OR SECURE CAPITAL 

The proper method of developing a patent varies as does the inven- 
tion. In some cases it is advisable to dispose of the entire interest and 
right. Especially is this the case when the inventor cannot or does not 
wish to spare time to attend to the details of business resulting from a 
partnership or the manufacture of the article. In other cases, where the 
article is widely used, it may be advisable to have it manufactured on 
royalty ; that is, granting a license to some outside party or parties to 
manufacture and sell in consideration of a certain sum to be paid on 
each article so manufactured under the license. Still, again, when the 
business will require a large amount of capital, it is best to form a 
powerful joint stock company. In this case the inventor receives a cash 
payment from the company for one-half or two-thirds of the patent, and 
has stock issued to him for the remaining half or third, which he can 
either convert into cash or hold for regular semi-annual dividends. 

In other cases, in articles which require smaller capital to manufacture, 
it is certainly advisable to sell say half of the patent for a reasonable 
sum, and the mere fact of a shrewd capitalist having invested money in it, 
quadruples the value of the remaining half, and gives the inventor an 
equal proportion of the large profits to be realized. There is a right 
way and a wrong way to handle any patent, which can only be deter- 
mined by a thorough investigation. 

However it may be decided best to handle the patent, the one thing 
requisite to success is to properly present the merits of the invention to 
business men and capitalists, and thus to make the importance of the 
improvement publicly known. Unless presented rightly, the public will 
hesitate to embark their money in the enterprise, and the life of the patent 
may expire without any benefit accruing to the inventor. Here it is that 
the aid of experienced and energetic brokers becomes invaluable to in- 
ventors. Having spent their time and energies in this one direction, and 
having a very large knowledge of and acquaintance among capitalists, 
their skill and experience will enable them to succeed where all others 
would fail. 

We (E. L. Richards & Co.) shall be pleased, at any time, to give our 
advice to inventors, in regard to the proper way in which to place their 
inventions on the market. Our long and varied experience in the handling 
of patents enables us to quickly judge in such matters, and our advice will 
oftentimes be of great assistance to patentees. 

OUR OFFICES AND FACILITIES. 

As in placing patents on the market or in developing them, capital is 
required, generally in large amounts, it is obvious that to secure it, the in- 



36 OUR OFFICES AND FACILITIES. 

vention must be properly placed before investors and capitalists. It is no 
less obvious that to secure it the inventor must either himself or through 
his agent go where capital is accumulated and ready and waiting for such 
investments. It therefore follows that agents in small towns and cities are 
of little benefit to patentees. Large capitalists and prompt investors can 
only be found in large cities, and it is to such places that the inventor 
must turn and there direct his efforts. 

New York stands first in the list of our large cities, and is beyond all ques- 
tion the only place in this country where the full value of many inventions 
can be realized. Being the great financial and business centre of this con- 
tinent, it is here that the inventor should first look for recognition. Real- 
izing this fact we have here established our main office, and are the oldest 
and best known house in this line of business in this city. Our spacious 
offices and large exhibition hall are located in the very heart of New York, 
on Broadway, the great thoroughfare of the city, and from this fact, and 
also our most extensive acquaintance and business connections with the 
leading capitalists and business men generally of this and neighboring 
cities, we are able to secure for inventors the fullest possible benefits and 
advantages of an office in this city. 

Outside of New York we have permanent branch offices in many of the 
largest cities, our list of offices now comprising Washington, Chicago, 
St. Paul, and Montreal, Can., all of which are under the manage- 
ment of well known business men. Besides these offices we have agents 
and correspondents in every State and Territory as well as in every For- 
eign Country where patents can be procured. 

It will thus be seen that we have many times better facilities for trans- 
acting business than any other firm in this line, and parties favoring us 
with their business can be certain, not only that it will receive the best and 
most careful attention, and that their interests will be carefully looked to, 
but also from our well-known reputation in this respect, that all business 
entrusted to us will be promptly attended to, and that all our dealings 
with our customers will be conducted honorably and openly. 



THE LARGEST THE BEST. 



Everybody knows that the best service and work is given by the 
large, long-established and well-conducted establishments, and the patent 
business is no exception to the general rule. Usually the small agencies 
are conducted by men who are inexperienced in the business, and who 
have absolutely no facilities outside of their own individual work. 

We (E. L. Richards & Co.) have, instead of a single office, a chain of 
offices in the principal cities throughout the country, and agents and cor- 
respondents throughout the world. The details of our large business is 
attended to by a staff of trained assistants, and at each of our offices, every 
case receives careful study, experienced care, and abundance of time and 
work. Our efforts are usually successful and give general satisfaction. 
For years we have transacted more business for inventors than all the 
other Patent Brokers in the country combined, and this may be regarded 
as an evidence of the character and value of our services and work. 



OUR TERMS. 



37 



OUR TERMS, 

Whether for selling patents (either domestic or foreign), interests in 
them or territory, securing partners or forming joint stock companies, are 
invariably as enumerated below, and it will be a waste of time to at- 
tempt to persuade us to do business on any other basis. We make 
special terms for placing stock for mining or other companies already in- 
corporated, or where the business is already established and in practical 
operation. These terms will be given on application. 

We (E. L. Richards & Co.) require in all cases, a sufficient advance 
fee to cover the actual expense incurred in getting up circulars, for postage, 
and expenses in getting up engravings, &c, as well as to pay us in a small 
degree for our services in case no sale is effected. This advance fee is 
regulated by the amount of money the transaction involves, and is as 
follows : 
Amount Desired. Advance Fee. 

$10,000 or under, $50 00 

$10,000 to $25,000, 100 00 

$25,000 to $50,000, 150 00 

$50,000 or over, 250 00 

'The final fee to be paid to us when the business in question is actually 
transacted is : twenty-five per cent, of the first $10,000 or less received ; 
ten per cent, of the second $10,000 or less ; and five per cent, of the 
entire amount of the remainder. 

We accept all business that will bear investigation as to merit. Unless 
you have a practical and valuable invention, and are prepared to pay our 
regular fees, correspondence will be useless. We do not undertake to sell 
patents or secure capital for any one at any price or on any terms, with- 
out first making an examination to ascertain that the invention possesses 
sufficient merit to warrant our endorsement, and that it is worthy of the 
attention of capitalists and manufacturers. If, therefore, you desire at 
any time to secure our services, it will first be necessary to send us a copy 
of your patent, together with full explanations of its advantages, and your 
proposed terms and prices, and you will usually receive our report by re- 
turn mail. Cases requiring special attention will require longer time. 

We do not in any case make estimates of the value of patents. Own- 
ers of patents will determine on the lowest price they are willing to accept, 
and we will undertake the business on that basis. It can readily be seen 
that it is as much to our advantage as it is to the owner's, to secure as 
much as possible above the price set, and they can depend upon it that 
we shall do so in every case. 

WHAT WE DO FOR OUR CUSTOMERS. 

On receiving the advance fee we have fine engravings of the invention 
made, and then have a large number of neat circulars printed, the amount 
varying from 1 ,000 to 1 0,000 according to the character of the invention, and 
the number we think we shall use. These circulars are placed in all our 
offices and are sent to all our agents, for distribution among parties that 
become interested or that would be likely to be interested and invest 
•capital in the invention. Besides a thorough advertising in this manner, 



38 FULL INFORMATION. 

we take steps, if we deem it necessary, to widely advertise the patent 
through such New York, Philadelphia and other newspapers as may seem 
desirable. We then, both here and at all our branch offices, personally 
interview such capitalists and business men as we think will be interested. 
Most of these parties have requested their names placed on our books for 
the express purpose of finding suitable investments through our agency. 
These names have cost us many thousands of dollars, paid for advertising, 
and the advantage of reaching so large a number of investors for so small 
an outlay of money cannot be too highly appreciated. In addition to this, 
our business being extensively advertised from one end of the country to* 
the other, our offices are daily visited by many capitalists in search of good 
investments, besides the many thousands of inquiries by mail. 

The payment of the advance fee also entitles the inventor to space in 
each of our offices for the exhibition of samples or models, while the busi- 
ness is being transacted. 

The ball thus set in motion, seldom fails to lead to a speedy and most 
successful termination. 

Until the business is transacted however, no efforts are relaxed or trouble 
spared to secure the transaction of the business entrusted to us. 

We guarantee our work in our sales department, as in all others, to be 
first-class in every particular, and inventors dealing through us (E. L. 
Richards & Co.) have a certainty that their business is attended to in the 
best possible manner, and that every thing is done to advance their inter- 
ests. Samples of our circulars with engravings will be sent to any address 
on application. 

FUIX INFORMATION. 

From the moment the business is placed in our hands, we keep the 
inventor thoroughly posted, sending him copies of drawings and circular 
matter and advertisements, as well as communicating with him by letter 
whenever it is needed, so that our patrons know at all times just what 
progress is being made in their individual cases. Whenever anything 
is of sufficient importance, the telegraph is called into use, thus enabling 
us to send a message and receive an answer in an hour's time, if neces- 
sary, no matter how great the distance is. We cordially invite our cus- 
tomers to make our office their headquarters whenever they visit this city, 
and we shall be happy to furnish them any information in our power at 
any time. 

TIME REQUIRED. 

The time required to sell a patent either entire or in part, or to raise 
capital, cannot be estimated in advance. Where the amount involved is 
not large, and the invention good, from one to three months is usually suf- 
ficient time in which to effect a sale. Occasionally, however, longer time 
will be required, and more work necessary than was at first supposed. In 
no case, however, do we make additional charges after the advance fee is 
paid, until a sale is effected. 

POWER OF ATTORNEY AND COPY OF 

CONTRACT. 

We do not in any case ask for a power of attorney to sign deeds for the 
inventor. We simply ask an appointment as agent, at the same time 



MODELS AND SAMPLES. 39 

allowing the inventor to appoint other agents should he see fit, or to effect 
such sales himself as he may be able to. We only wish pay for the work 
we do, and that we provide for in the contract, of which the following is a 
copy : 

COPY OF AGREEMENT. 

Articles of Agreement, made this second day of June, 1880, between E. L. Richards 
& Co., of the City, County and State of New York, of the first part, and John 
Brown, of Chicago, County of Cook and State of Illinois, of the second part, witnesseth as 
follows : 

The said E. L. Richards & Co. hereby agree to act as agents for the said John Brown 
and to endeavor to sell for him hispatent for "An improvement in Rotary Engines," which 
bears date April 13, 1880, and is numbered 295, 106, at the best possible advantage. 

In consideration of which services, /, the said John Brown y hereby agree to pay, in 
lawful money of the United States, without default or recourse, to the said E. L. Richards 
& Co., a final fee, to be paid when the above mentioned services are actually rendered, 
amounting to twenty-five per cent of the first ten thousand dollars, or under, received ; 
ten per cent, of the second ten thousand dollars, or under, and five per cent, of the entire 
amount of all money or moneys received by me, through them, in excess of twenty thou- 
sand dollars, and I hereby appoint the said E. L. Richards & Co. as my agents to effect the 
said sale, at the price hereinafter mentioned. This agreement to remain in full force and 
binding upon us both for one year from the date of this agreement, and no longer except by 
mutual consent. 

It is especially understood and agreed, that the lowest price which the said E. L. Rich- 
ards & Co. are authorized to accept for the said patent is Fifty Thousand dollars, and that 
upon the said E. L. Richards & Co. securing for me, the said John Brown, a. purchaser, 
at this price, or in excess thereof, 7, the said John Brown, will promptly and without 
delay, sign, seal and deliver to the said E. L. Richards & Co. the necessary papers to con- 
vey to the said purchaser the entire right, title and interest in and to said Letters Patent. 

In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seals. 

E. L. RICHARDS & CO. [seal.J 
JOHN BROWN. [seal.] 

Witnesses, 



MODELS AND SAMPLES. 

MODELS and samples sent for exhibition should be made neat and du- 
rable. Nothing is more attractive than a neat appearing model, and 
nothing aids a sale more, while a poor model is sometimes worse than 
none at all, as a failure of a machine or tool to work nicely in model form 
will condemn the invention oftentimes with intending purchasers. 

Wooden models should be neatly painted. Always have your name and 
address permanently attached to the model, by painting or otherwise. 
This prevents confusion and possible loss. 

WHAT WE REQUIRE SENT TO US. 

In sending us your business the following rules should be observed. 
The original, or a printed copy of the patent should in all cases accompany 
the advance fee. If you have no copy, send number and date of patent 
and 25 cents to pay for a copy of same. We do not absolutely require 
a model or sample, but it is always preferable and advisable to have them. 
If you have several send them all, so that we can place them in our other 
offices. Sign your letter, enclosing fees, with your full name (middle name 



40 THE VALUE OF PATENTS. 

included), and give your residence, town, county and State. Send models 
or samples by express, prepaying charges in full, as otherwise we may not 
receive them, if we have no advices from you. Always send money as 
directed in " How to Remit." 

Immediately on receipt of advance fee we will make out duplicate con- 
tracts and send them to you to sign, giving full directions in regard to 
same. Your business will then be attended to without delay, and its 
transaction hastened by all possible means in our power. 

THE VALUE OF PATENTS. 

In the practical application of new and useful improvements, America 
leads the world. According to an estimate made by the Commissioner of 
Patents, from six to seven-eighths of the entire manufacturing capital of 
the United States, or upward of six thousand millions of dollars, probably 
is based upon Patents, either directly or indirectly. A very large propor- 
tion of all patents prove remunerative, which is the reason why so many 
are applied for, and so many millions of capital invested in their working. 
" But all patents," says an able writer, " are not productive ; neither are all 
farms ; all men are not rich ; all mines are not bonanzas. 

"There is scarcely an article of human convenience or necessity in the 
market to-day, that has not at some time or other been the subject of a 
patent, either in whole or in part. The sale of every such article yields the 
inventor a profit. If we purchase a box of paper collars, a portion of the 
price goes to the inventor ; if we buy a sewing-machine, the chances are 
that we pay a royalty to as many as a dozen or fifteen inventors at once. 
Indeed, the field is so vast and the number of profitable patents so great 
that it would be far preferable to undertake a recapitulation of those pat- 
ents which are not profitable than those which are." 

A patent is nearly always more salable just after its issue than at any 
time thereafter. Age usually impairs the value of a patent to a very mark- 
ed degree. This is so for many reasons, principal of which may be 
noted : — that purchasers want the full 17 years or as much thereof as pos- 
sible in order to get the full profits ; that capitalists mistake in thinking that 
because a patent is allowed to run several years without being worked that 
it must be because it is not very valuable. But whether a mistaken idea or 
not, the salability of the patent is injured by this reason. It is greatly to 
the interest of patentees therefore to place their patent on the market as 
soon as possible after its issue. Thousands upon thousands of patents are 
probably at this moment idle and unused, that if rightly handled, would net 
their owners handsome prices, if not large fortunes. Because a patent is a 
few years old is no reason why it should not be offered for sale. On the 
contrary it makes it all the more necessary to get it on the market, and to 
effect the sale at the earliest possible moment. The amount of money re- 
quisite to place it properly before the public through a competent broker, 
is but a trifle compared with the amount that may be realized from it, and 
inventors having unproductive patents should not rest uutil they have dis- 
posed of them. 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. 

In transacting so large a business as ours, questions and queries multiply 
by the thousand. We give and answer on this page some of those most fre- 



HOW TO REMIT. 



41 



quently asked. Before writing us read this page carefully and see if 
some of your questions are not answered here. 

Q. Why are your terms higher than those of other firms in the same 
line? A. Because our work is better, and is worth what we charge. We 
give ten times the attention and work to business entrusted to us that any 
other firm does, besides having many times greater facilities. 

Q. Do you never take a patent for sale without an advance fee ? A. 
No. We do not deviate from our terms in any case. 

O. What do you think my patent is worth ? A. We do not estimate the 
value of patents. Estimates of this character are merely guesswork, and 
not to be depended on. A patent is worth just what it will sell for. 

Q. Do you always succeed in selling patents ? A. We do not. There 
are patents that cannot be sold. It is safe to say, however, that if we can 
not effect a sale no one else can. 

Q. Do you require a model ? A. Not absolutely. It is, however, very 
desirable, and aids in effecting sales. 

Q. How long does it usually take to sell a patent ? A. See article under 
heading of " Time Required." Many of our correspondents ask questions 
of a purely personal nature, such as : — Do you know John Brown & Co., of 
your city ? Are they reliable ? Another wishes us to send a messenger for 
him to an address which he gives — perhaps several miles from our office 
— to make certain inquiries for him. Another wishes the names and ad- 
dresses of the best manufacturers of novelties ; another of pumps ; an- 
other of barbed-wire fencing. Mr. A. wants to know how to oxidize gold, 
silver, and brass. Mr. B. asks : Can you tell me what kind of a drill will 
go through chilled iron and highly-tempered homogeneous steel ? Mr. C. 
wants a cure for sick headache. Mr. D. sends us a specimen of some 
kind of mineral and asks us to ascertain what it is. 

We (E. L. Richards & Co.) are at all times happy to serve our corres- 
pondents, but if replies to such personal matters are expected, a small fee, 
say from one to five dollars should be sent, according to the nature or im- 
portance of the case. In most cases we can furnish the information de- 
sired ; but if we are unable to do so, we return the money. 

HOW TO REMIT. 

Always remit by Bank Draft, Express, Money Order, or Registered 
Letter. It is not safe to send money in an ordinary letter. 

HINTS. 

In corresponding, always make it a special point to write Name, Town, 
County and State as plainly as possible IN EVERY letter. 

If you have a good thing, don't miss a chance to utilize it to advantage. 
No man attains success in anything unless he has the courage to launch 
boldly out to grasp it. The world only helps those who help themselves. 
Don't sell your patent at a sacrifice. 

Don't entrust your business to unreliable brokers, always demand sat- 
isfactory references, and get them before doing business. We can refer 
by permission to banking houses and distinguished public men, and are 
always ready and pleased to give their names and addresses on application. 




4 
*i 
4 
ft 



b 

m 

pj 

M 

a 

* 



PART III. 



The Exhibition Department. 



»♦* 



Our exhibition department should not be confounded by anyone with 
our regular sales department, as the two are entirely separate and distinct. 
Parties placing their business in our sales department have, besides other 
benefits, all the advantages of the exhibition department without extra 
cost. 

Our exhibition is intended and adapted for the display of inventions for 
parties who are unable to pay our regular fees, and thus place their patents 
on the market in a regular and systematic manner : For the exhibition of 
works of art ; and the sale from sample of machinery, tools, and goods, 
and offers to inventors, manufacturers and merchants, all the advantage? 
of a permanent office in New York City, at a nominal cost, and under the 
most favorable auspices. 

It should be understood, that although we advertise the exhibition as a 
whole very extensively, that we do not advertise the exhibits separately, 
nor is business entered in the exhibition department attended to in any of 
our branch offices. To secure these services the business must be entered 
in our regular sales department. 

THE ADVANTAGES OFFERED. 

New York has many important advantages for an exhibition of this 
description, chief of which may briefly be mentioned : That it is the centre 
of trade in this country, and is fast becoming the great financial and busi- 
ness centre of the world ; in point of population it is far ahead of any other 
city in America, having 1,300,000 inhabitants within the city limits proper, 
and fully as many more within a radius of 1 5 miles ; it is also the centre of 
all important manufacturing and business interests, manufacturers, mer- 
chants and buyers from all parts of the United States and many foreign 
countries coming directly to New York to buy their supplies and to find a 
market for their goods ; it is also the great money centre of this continent. 
Within a radius of two miles of our office, the average daily exchange of 
of money or its representative is estimated to be over $1,000,000,000, and 
to be rapidly increasing from day to day ; capitalists and speculators 
throughout the entire length and breadth of this country come here to find 



44 EXPERIENCE, ETC. 

suitable investments for their money. It is obvious, therefore, that New 
York is the place and the only place in this country where the full benefits of 
an exhibition of this kind can be secured for both exhibitor and buyer. This 
exhibition provides for the inventor, the manufacturer and the merchant 
a place where he may display his invention or his goods to the best possi- 
ble advantage, with a certainty that his business will receive most careful 
attention, that he will secure the best obtainable results, and that it is in 
the hands of experienced and reliable agents. The exhibition will be most 
•extensively advertised throughout the country, and will therefore be known 
and visited by all capitalists, investors and dealers generally. We under- 
take also to effect sales of patents entire or in part, to procure partners or 
capital, organize joint stock companies, to sell machinery, tools and goods 
from samples ; and will also act as buyers for manufacturers and mer- 
chants without commission, except such as we receive from the seller. 
All exhibits will, as soon as received, be properly classified, and each exhibit 
will receive constant care and will be brought directly before the class of 
people it is desired to reach. 

EXPERIENCE. 

We (E. L. Richards & Co.) are the oldest established firm in New 
York in the business of selling patents, formerly under the firm name of 
Hubbard & Co., at 30 Vesey Street, and upon the retirement of Mr Hub- 
bard in November, 1880, adopting the present firm name. We have had 
therefore very large experience in all kinds of patent business, and our fa- 
cilities are unequalled. We have many permanent branch offices in 
other large cities, and our house being widely known, our offices are daily 
visited by capitalists desiring to make investments. 

LOCATION. 

OUR exhibition hall is located in the very heart of the great city of New 
York. Within a few blocks on either side are located A. T. Stewart & 
Co.'s immense store, the Mercantile and Astor Libraries, the Cooper Insti- 
tute, the Bible House, the University of New York, the Union Theological 
Seminary, the offices of the American, Adams and United States Ex- 
press Companies, the Singer, Domestic, Wheeler & Wilson and Willcox 
& Gibbs Sewing Machine Companies, Steinway and Chickering Halls, and 
many other establishments of world wide fame. 

FEES AND SPACE. 

Our terms for exhibiting models, machinery, samples &c, will be $10 
per year ; when more than one exhibit is entered by the same person our 
terms will be $10 for the first, and $5 for each additional entry. When 
more than four square feet of space is required (either floor, wall or table 
space), an additional charge of $1 per square foot will be made for the 
space occupied in excess of four square feet. There will be no other 
charge whatever. Competent attendants and exhibitors services are 
supplied free. 



COMMISSIONS ON SALES. 45 

COMMISSIONS ON SALES. 

On all capital procured, companies formed, or sales made by us (in our 
Exhibition Department) of Patents or territory, machinery, tools or goods, 
a commission of ten per cent of the selling price will be charged by us. 
We make ?io charges whatever, except for entry, until sales are effected. 
Entries will be received for exhibition only, or for the purpose of effecting 
sales or procuring capital. No sale will be closed by us until the terms 
are accepted by the exhibitor. When sales are completed, deeds will be 
forwarded to sign, and when returned by express C. O. D., the proper 
amount, after deducting our commissions, will be paid to the express com- 
pany before the deed is delivered to us. We do not wish any power of at- 
torney, but you will by this means use the express company for your 
collector, to whom the money must be paid before the deed is delivered. 

SIGNS. 

All signs must be approved by us, as to size, location, materials of 
which they are made, and designs. Under no circumstances will signs be 
allowed which obstruct the view or interfere with the harmony of the exhi- 
bition. In general, signs should be small, containing only name of exhibi- 
tor and article exhibited. Such signs will be furnished by us when desired,, 
neatly painted, for $1 each. 

CIRCULARS AND ENGRAVINGS. 

All circulars, cards and notices are subject to our approval. No cir- 
culars will be allowed to be displayed or distributed except such as relate 
to the goods exhibited. We would recommend, to ensure a convenient 
and tasty circular, that they be printed on paper Z l / 2 inches wide and 11 
inches long, or as near as possible. Exhibitors have the privilege of fur- 
nishing all their own circulars. We will, however, furnish 1,000 neatly 
printed circulars, containing the description of the exhibit with a good en- 
graving for $10. When more than 1,000 are ordered at onetime, we will 
print the first thousand for $10, and each additional thousand or part 
thereof for $5. After printing the circulars the engraving will be forwarded 
to the exhibitor without charge. All circulars will be carefully displayed 
with the goods to which they relate, and will receive the care of our attend- 
ants, who will see that they are kept in order, and that they are arranged 
to the best advantage. We will also make any description of wood cuts, 
photo-engravings, lithographs and photographs in any style, and have any 
engraving, printing or binding executed with dispatch, and at reasonable 
rates. 

MODELS AND SAMPLES. 

Care should be taken to have all models and samples as neat and at- 
tractive as possible. Too much care cannot be taken in this regard. 
Make everything substantial. If you have no good models, and cannot 
have them made near you, we can have them made for you at very reason- 



46 DIRECTIONS. 

able prices. Our model -makers are extensive manufacturers of special and 
experimental machinery. Being practical machinists, with years of experi- 
ence, they are able to put inventions into practical forms. A handsome 
and perfect model or sample does more to effect a sale than is generally 
supposed. Visitors are attracted by nice models, they ask at once to see 
how it operates, and when shown by our attendants, they at once make up 
their mind whether they want to buy or not, and determine the price they 
are willing to pay. 

DIRECTIONS. 

Write your name and address plainly on a tag and tack or tie it on 
model ; box securely. Have our name and address painted plainly on 
box ; ship by express prepaying all charges, as otherwise we will not re- 
ceive the goods. Send money by Post-Office Order, Registered Letter, 
Draft or Express. 

If you have any business in our line send it where you can 
secure the greatest benefits and best results. 

Address all communications and make all remittances to 

£. L. RICHARDS <£ CO., 

Patent Solicitors and Brokers , 

Main Office, 814 Broadway, N. Y. 

Or to any of our 

PERMANENT BRANCH OFFICES: 
Washington, D. C, 632 F St., Gen. G. W. Balloch, Manager. 

St. Paul, Minn., 104 East 3rd St., Davidson Block, E. S. Norton, Manager. 
Chicago, 111 , McCormick Block, Eugene E. Luce, Manager. 

Montreal, Can., 215 St. James St., F. B. Wells, Manager. 



INDEX. 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



PAGE 

Chicago Office 28 

Exhibition Hall 42 

Interior view Main Office Title page 

Montreal Office 22 



PAGE 

New York street scene, showing office, 6 

St. Paul Office 34 

Secret Model Room 18 

Washington street scene, showing office, 16 



Part I. Securing Patents. 

UNITED STATES PATENTS. 



PAGE 

Abstracts and Searches n 

Allowed Cases, Renewal of 10 

Appeals 9 

Applying for the Patent 8 

Attorneys Necessary 5 

Assignments 12 

Caveats 7 

Copies of Patents 13 

Copyrights 15 

Design Patents n 

Disclaimers 12 

Does it pay to secure Patents? 3 

How we do the Business 17 

Infringements 12 

Interference of Patents 10 

Inventors without Capital 7 

Labels and Prints 14 

Models 9 

Patent, Applying for the 8 

Patents, Copies of 13 



Patents, Design n 

Patents, Does it pay to secure ? 3 

Patents, Interference of 10 

Patents, Who may obtain 4 

Preliminary Examination 7 

Prints and Labels 14 

Prosecuting Applications and Appeals.. 9 

Questions and Answers 15 

Reissues 10 

Rejected Cases 10 

Renewal of Allowed Cases 10 

Searches and Abstracts. n 

Secret Model Room 18 

State Laws and Taxes, etc 13 

Taxes, State Laws, etc 13 

The Largest the Best 5 

Trade-Marks 13 

What may be Patented . 4 

Who may obtain Patents 4 

Who to Employ 5 



FOREIGN PATENTS. 



PAGE 

Annuities and Taxes 20 

Argentine Republic 20 

Australia 26 

Austria 21 

Belgium 21 

Brazil 23 

British Colonies 25 and 26 

British Guiana 26 

British Honduras. 26 

Canada 23 

Cape of Good Hope 2 

Ceylon 

Chili 



26 
23 



Columbia 23 

Cuba 3° 

Denmark 24 

Discounts 3 1 

Dutch West Indies (see Surinam) 31 

English (see Great Britain) 25 

Finland 24 

Foreign Patents 19 

Foreign Trade-Marks 20 

France 24 

German Empire. .. . 25 

Great Britain 25 

Greece 26 

Guatamala... 2 7 

Hawaii 27 

Hungary (see Austria) 19 

India... 26 

Italy 27 

Jamaica 26 

Leeward Islands 26 

Liberia 27 



PAGE 

Luxembourg 27 

Mauritius 26 

Mexico 29 

Natal 26 

Newfoundland 26 

New Grenada 29 

New Zealand 26 

Nicaragua 29 

Norway 29 

Paraguay 29 

Patents, Foreign . . . . 19 

Patents, Foreign, Securing in Inventor's 

N ame 20 

Peru 29 

Phillipine Islands (see Spain) 30 

Poland (see Russia) .. 30 

Porto Rico (see Spain) 30 

Port ugal 29 

Rio De La Plata 30 

Russia 30 

Sandwich Islands (see Hawaii) 27 

San Salvador 30 

Securing Foreign Patents in Inventor's 

Name 20 

Spain and Cuba 30 

Straits Settlements 26 

Surinam 31 

Sweden 31 

Switzerland •. 31 

Taxes 20 

Trade-Marks, Foreign 20 

Trinidad 26 

Turkey 3 1 

Venezuela .. 31 



INDEX. 



Part II. How to Sell Patents. 



PAGE 

Agencies, Legitimate 33 

Attorney, Power of, etc 38 

Brokers a Necessity 32 

Contract, Copy of 38 

Customers, What we do for our 37 

Facilities and Offices 35 

Full Information 38 

Hints , 41 

How to Remit 41 

How to Sell or Secure Capital 3s 

Largest the Best, The 36 

Legitimate Agencies 33 

Models and Samples 39 



PAGE 

Offices and Facilities, Our 35 

Our Terms 37 

Patents, The value of 40 

Power of Attorney, etc 38 

Questions and Answers 40 

Reliable Brokers, etc 32 

Terms, Our 37 

The Largest the Best 36 

The Value of Patents 40 

Time Required 38 

What we do for our Customers 37 

What we require sent to us 39 

Who not to employ 33 



Part III. The Exhibition Department. 



PAGE 

Advantages Offered 43 

Commissions on Sales 45 

Circulars and Engravings 45 

Directions 46 

Engravings , 45 

Experience 44 

Fees and Space 44 



PAGE 

Location 44 

Location of Offices 46 

Models and Samples 45 

Offices, Location of 46 

Sales, Commissions on .. . 45 

Samples and Models 45 

Signs 45 



NOTICE. 



This book contains an abstract of 
the patent laws of every country that 
issues patents, and is fully revised to 
date. This has never been given be- 
fore. It is therefore of the greatest 

value as a book of reference. 

If you should receive more than 

one copy, please give such duplicates 

to other inventors with whom you are 

acquainted. 

You will thus not only confer a 

favor upon us but also on the parties 

receiving them. 



E. L. RICHARDS & 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

"III 



Patent Solicitors and Li 



019 935 714 1 



Mm Office, M BROADWAY. NEW YORK, 



PERMANENT BRANCH OFFICES: 

Chicago, III., cor. Dearborn & Randolph Sts., - Eugene E. Luce, Manager. 

Washington, D. C, 632 F Street, - - - Gen. G. W. Balloch, " 

St. Paul, Minn., 104 East 3d Street, - - - E.S.Norton, 

Montreal, Canada, 215 St. James Street, - - F. B. Wells, 

CORRESPONDENTS IN EVERY STATE AND ALL FOREIGN COUNTRIES, 



^-♦-^ 



IT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO UNDERSTAND: 

1. — That we are the oldest established firm in this business, in New 
York, and can therefore give our customers the benefit of the largest 
experience. 

2. — That we are the only firm in this business in the world, with a single 
exception, having permanent branch offices in other large cities. 

3.— This being a fact, parties dealing through us have five chances of 
effecting sales, where they would only have one if dealing through other 
agencies. 

4. —As we are fast increasing the number cf our permanent branch offices, 
(now completing arrangements for offices in San Francisco, Oal., St. Louis, 
Mo. and Liverpool, England,) our facilities for successfully and speedily 
transacting business are at all times increasing. 

5. — We give better and more work on business entrusted to us, than any 
other agency in the world ; hence are the most successful. We invite com- 
parison. 

6. — That after giving our customers the benefit of the largest experience, 
the most extended facilities and the best work, our charges are less 
than those of any other agency, for an equal amount of work. 

7. — We are in every way reliable and responsible. We make no mis- 
statements, either in regard to our facilities, or our work. A call at our office 
will convince you of this. Parties at a distance, unable to call, can ascertain 
this to be true, by writing for our references, or to friends in this city. 



